Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 129: Spies
After dinner that evening, I reported to Father. An adventurer hired to help guard the horse races had noticed a suspicious person.
It was probably the sort of slight inconsistency only someone who moved freely through the territorial capital every day would detect.
No matter how busy he became, Father received the day’s reports in his study each evening. Mother, Lionel and a few trusted retainers were also present.
“Well done,” Father said. “Make certain the adventurer is rewarded.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve already done so.”
I smiled. I had given him an assortment of my potions, which delighted him enormously. Naturally, I allowed him to believe they had been made by Grandmother rather than me.
He had probably heard rumours about the remarkable potions used by the Heine knight order. Other adventurers had watched him receive the reward and might now be searching the territorial capital with renewed enthusiasm.
“That’s a great help,” Father said with a deep sigh. “At last, we may have found a trail.”
The national investigation had evidently produced few results. I decided not to offer further opinions on international affairs.
“According to the adventurer, the suspicious person appears to be investigating the territory,” I said.
“Yes. We don’t know how much they understand, but they may be searching for the source of the Panacea.”
Mother inhaled sharply, her face turning pale. I took her hand to reassure her. I hoped the truth hadn’t already been exposed.
Because His Majesty survived, the enemy would know that an extraordinarily powerful antidote existed somewhere. The obvious place to investigate was the former home of Margaret, one of the kingdom’s highest-ranking magic pharmacists.
Spies might also be observing other renowned pharmacists. What could we do?
“Perhaps they’re searching only for potions Grandmother left behind,” I suggested. “The suspect has reportedly been seen repeatedly near the Magic Pharmacists’ Guild.”
“I see. Then they may not know that it was specifically a Panacea. Even so, they could assume the potion is stored in this mansion.”
That was troublesome. We might face burglary, infiltration or even an organised raid. A large attack would be difficult to conceal, but thieves could certainly be hired.
“A spy may attempt to enter the mansion as a servant,” Lionel said. “I’ll strengthen identification checks and security.”
“Do so. We can’t hire anyone new for the moment, although that can’t continue indefinitely. We need a method to draw them out.”
“What about a decoy operation?” I said. “I could act as bait.”
“No, Julius!”
Mother pulled me tightly against her in alarm. I was being smothered against her chest and could barely breathe. I struck her arms until Lionel noticed.
“Lady Amelia, please release him!”
I finally escaped. I would need to choose my words more carefully when sitting near Mother.
“Amelia is right,” Father said. “We can’t use you as bait. If a decoy is necessary, I shall do it. Alex can inherit if anything happens to me.”
“No! What are you saying? We can’t use the ruling margrave himself as bait.”
“But—”
“No buts.”
What was Father thinking? We needed a substitute rather than sacrificing either of us.
Then an idea came to me.
“Father, Grandmother’s book describes a transformation potion. We can use that.”
“A transformation potion?”
“Yes. It changes the drinker’s appearance into a specified form.”
“Such a potion exists?”
It didn’t actually appear in Grandmother’s book. I would have to add an entry later. At this point, I had used the book as an explanation so often that the potion almost felt as though it belonged there.
“If someone takes my appearance, they can act as the decoy without exposing me.”
Father rested a hand against his chin and considered it.
The uncertainty surrounding the Lazar Empire and the Kingdom of Lund Al couldn’t continue indefinitely. We needed to uncover the spies, strengthen ties with Lund Al and secure the border as soon as possible.
“I’ll serve as the decoy,” Lionel said. “The potion will allow me to take Lord Julius’s form, correct?”
“Yes. Your arms and legs will become much shorter, so your balance may be affected.”
“Hahaha! That won’t be a problem. I train to fight effectively under any conditions.”
Lionel sounded completely confident. Encouraged by him, Father finally raised his head.
“We shall adopt Julius’s plan. Julius, prepare the transformation potion.”
“Leave it to me.”
Success. Father’s order gave me permission to purchase and gather the ingredients. I should order several unrelated materials at the same time so no one could identify the recipe.
“Are you all right?” Mother asked. “You’re making a strange face.”
“Calling it strange is cruel. I’m perfectly fine, Mother.”
I answered cheerfully, but her suspicion didn’t fade.